Lesson 78 Video

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Lesson 78

Lesson 78 - Run Around Sue

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Run Around Sue

Lesson Goals:

♦ Learn I, VIm, IV, V chord progression
♦ Review the C, Am, F and G chords
♦ Play "Run Around Sue"

 

Earlier we spent a lot of time working on the I, IV, V chord progression.

In this lesson we will learn another very common chord progression known as the I, VIm, IV, V  (one, six minor, four, five) chord progression. Keep in mind that the VIm (six minor) chord is simply the "relative minor" chord of the I (one) chord in the progression (see Lesson 77).

You may recall that we often use roman numerals to identify the root notes of a chord progression, so that we can apply that chord progression to any key that we want to play in. This is a common way that chord progressions are referred to by studio and live performance musicians.

In previous lessons we used the major scale "pattern" to identify the root notes of the I, IV, V chord progression by simply identifying the first, fourth and fifth steps of the pattern.

Now we will use that same approach to identify the root notes of a I, VIm, IV, V chord progression. In this case, the VIm (six minor) chord root note is located by playing the major scale "pattern" and counting up to the 6th step. That 6th step is your root note for the VIm chord. You already know how to located the I, IV and V chord root notes.

For example - let's say you want to play a I, VIm, IV, V chord progression in the key of C. You could simply play the major scale "pattern" starting on the C note (on the 8th fret of the 6th string) and count your steps to determine the root notes of all the chords in the progression.

In this case the notes would be - I = C,    VIm = A   , IV = F,    V = G

So as a result, we now know that if we are to play a I, VIm, IV, V chord progression in the key of C that the chords we would play are:

C, Am, F,  G78 neck pic

 

 

Of course, you could also easily locate the relative minor of C by starting on the C note at the 8th fret of the 6th string, and counting down 3 frets. This would put you at the 5th fret of the 6th string which is an A note. So then you can conclude that the relative minor of C major is A minor.

 

 

 

As we said earlier, this is a very common chord progression and once you start playing it you will probably recall numerous songs that you have heard in the past that use this one.

One such song is the old standard, "Run Around Sue" by Dion.

This song has been played over and over by many artists in various keys, so let's stick with the key of C major and take a look at how to play it below.

78 runaround sue 01

 

 

By now you may be asking yourself "Why worry about all this roman numeral stuff? Why not just say the names of the actual chords I should play?"

The truth is that you could! But by knowing the chord progression "structure" and being able to name that structure in terms of roman numerals, you will greatly expand your musical horizons and be much further ahead of the game than most guitar players at this stage.

It is great to learn "how" to play something, but by knowing "what" you are playing, and how to recognize and identify it - you are acquiring the skills and tools you need to take the guitar to whatever level you desire!

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Jam Tip!

This song was first released by Dion in 1961 and is based on the infamous I, VIm, IV, V chord progression. Try playing this progression slowly and see if you can recall other songs that use this same formula. Then work on playing the progression in different keys. Sound familiar?